Commentary: ‘Hitman: Agent 47’ Misses The Mark From The Beginning

It’s no surprise to anyone that video game adaptations are notoriously tricky to pin down. This is in large part because the gameplay that makes video games so unique and special is extremely difficult to replicate in a film, especially one that relies on a narrative rather than audience participation. Because these games have such a particular vibe and style to them, it’s very easy to see early on if an adaptation will be successful at replicating that feeling. When it comes to Hitman: Agent 47, that unique style of the video game is absent.

The general story behind the Hitman series: a genetically modified assassin is employed by an agency to carry out assassinations. This hitman, codenamed “47,” goes through a profound character arc over many games. The series was adapted for a first time in 2007 with Timothy Olyphant starring as 47. The subsequent film rebooted the concept with Rupert Friend taking a turn as 47. Many of the genetic components about the character remain, but it was clear from the opening scene that the film wasn’t going to reproduce the elements that made the video game franchise so successful.

The movie starts off with action, as these movies often do. But Hitman isn’t necessarily an action franchise. Sure, the games definitely have their fair share of action, but they are mainly stealth games. The film could have easily opened with a thrilling scene highlighting 47’s assassination abilities. But the story didn’t necessarily allow for the character to be his true self. There are elements of the film that showcase how the character is able to hide in plain sight, but this movie and its predecessor both fail to take the spirit of the franchise seriously, turning it into a generic experience instead.

Hitman: Agent 47 is now streaming on Max.